Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-02-24
A CLERGYMAN GOES CRAZY
And Puts a Bullet Into His Wife and
Anerward Shoots Himself.

AfterWard Shoots Himself.
ENGLEwooD, NJ. Feb. 23.-The announce
ment that the Rev. Charles w. Ward, rector
of st. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church,
had shot his wife in the cheek and afterward
shot himself in the head at the rectory early
yesterday morning naturally created much
excitement. Mr.. Ward was very popular
man and was the life of the church His
earnest work had in short time rescued the
church from debt, attracted large congrega-
ton and secured good income. resident
of Englewood to-day gave the following
count of the shooting: During the last week
Mr.. Ward had been exceedingly restless and
excitable. He had been very much trou-
bled with insomnia and the smallest
things seemed to excite him. The night
before last he sat up late and on retiring
was unable to sleep. He suddenly announ-
ced his intention of going to New York TO
see his doctor. His wife tried to persuade
him not to go, but, seeing that he was be-
coming excited, desisted from speaking, hop
ing thot if she remained quiet he would
calm down. A reverse effect was produced,
however He spoke to her several times,
was much angered by her failure to answer,
and finally, in a moment of rage, fired at her
with his revolver, the bullet taking effect as
already described. He then fred two shots
at his little girl, neither of which struck her.
He next held the pistol at his right and
sent bullet into his head. A doctor was
called and morphine administered to the
wounded persons. This morning both
were more comfortable The shooting is
20 IIxy kLar ,f
temporary insanity. Another gentleman
said to-day that Mr.. Wards brother was dis
charged lately from an insane asylum and
that insanity was hereditary with Mir. Ward
The general feeling is that Mr.. Ward was
undoubtedly suffering from temporary in
sanity and was not responsible for his action.
DR.. Slim, of New York, was sent up by Mrs
A. J. Vanderpoel, sister of Mrs. Ward, to
attend the wounded woman. This morning at
10 O'Clock he was at the house in consultation
with Drs. Banks, Baldwin and Currie.
The bullet in Mrs. Wards cheek was taken
out, and she is now resting comfortably. Her
recovery is assured. The bullet in Mr..
Wards head is lodged in the bone near the
inner ear. The doctors have probed for it,
and located it exactly. They have decided
not TO attempt to extract it. Mr.. Wards
condition is serious, but not necessarily dan
gerous. Dr.. Banks said that the probability
was that Mr.. Ward would recover, and the
system assimilate the bullet. Mr.. Ward has
been under the influence of morphine since
the shooting, and has not been asked any
thing about his act. At times when
he has not been under the influence of
the drug he has appeared in his right mind,
althou Oh he has said nothing to tae watch
ers The house is in charge of the Englewood
Protective association, which is the chartered
police force of the town; but they have as
yet taken no action in the case except to
watch the house. Unless a complaint is
made no charges will be preferred against
Mr. Ward and it is not probable that any
thing of the kind will be done. Mr.. Ward
was greatly liked by the members of his
gregation, and nothing will be done looking
to his punishment, if possible.